Severe Weather Awareness Week starts Sunday

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Severe Weather Awareness Week for 2012 will be observed Monday through March 10 in South Carolina.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service jointly sponsor the week to remind people that severe storms, tornadoes and flash floods are significant hazards in South Carolina and people need to take proper safety precautions.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service are promoting awareness of procedures that help keep you safe during tornadoes.

Annual statewide tornado drill

TheState Superintendent of Education is encouraging schools statewide to participate in the drill. South Carolina has received a waiver from the Federal Communications Commission to use the Tornado Warning product on NOAA tone-alert weather radio when the drill is conducted. During the drill, the National Weather Service will use a real-event code, TOR. The “TOR” code will activate tone-alert weather radios that are set to receive tornado warnings, and those radios will broadcast the exercise message.

The drill will be conducted Tuesday at 9 a.m. with a backup date of Thursday, March 8 Public schools, state and local Emergency Management, the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, and others will participate in this annual event. The purpose of the drill is to test communication systems, safety procedures, mitigation processes, etc.

For further information on Severe Weather Awareness Week, contact your county emergency management agency, the State Emergency Management Division or your nearest National Weather Service office.